Are you constantly pushing yourself to the limit, only to feel drained and overwhelmed? In this episode of Stepping into Purpose, I’m joined by Avery Thatcher, a former ER nurse turned burnout and stress management expert, to explore how small, intentional habits can help high achievers manage their energy, prevent burnout, and thrive.

Avery shares practical tools for incorporating self-care into your daily life—even if you’re always on the go. We dive into the importance of listening to your body’s signals, how to find pockets of time for self-care, and why energy management is more important than time management. If you struggle with high-functioning anxiety or the pressure to always perform, this episode is for you!

In This Episode, We Talk About:

✨ How to find small moments throughout the day to regulate your nervous system
✨ Why energy management is more effective than rigid morning routines
✨ The science behind intuition and how to trust your body’s wisdom
✨ How to break free from self-sabotage and perfectionism
✨ Simple daily habits that help prevent burnout and overwhelm

🎧 Tune in now and learn how to create sustainable self-care practices that actually fit into your busy life!

Connect with Avery Thatcher:

Avery's Website: www.optimizedchaosmethod.com

Avery’s App for Daily Practices: Creating Calm

Connect with Lydia Gillman:

Do you think you might have High-functioning Anxiety?

Get my FREE GUIDE:

High-functioning Anxiety (and what to do about them) to find out!
Instagram: @lydiagillmanofficial
Podcast: Stepping into Purpose is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify

If you loved this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more high achievers who need this message! 💛

High-Functioning Anxiety, Perfectionism, Social anxiety, nervous system regulation, overthinking , rewiring nervous system, people-pleasing, high achiever, imposter syndrome

For as long as I can remember, anxiety has been woven into my story. Growing up in the 1980s—long before emotional well-being was part of the conversation—I was a highly sensitive child overwhelmed by constant worry and a deep sense of not being enough. This pattern of high-functioning anxiety followed me into adulthood, manifesting in relentless perfectionism, burnout, and even chronic fatigue syndrome.

In this solo episode of Stepping into Purpose, I open up about my personal journey through these challenges and share the transformative tools that helped me heal. I discuss:

1. My Early Struggles with Anxiety:

   • How growing up in the 80s, without the language or understanding of emotional well-being, shaped my lifelong battle with anxiety.
   • The impact of internalizing family struggles and absorbing emotions as a highly sensitive child.

2. The Breaking Points:

   • The onset of burnout in my early 20s during my first full-time office job.
   • The grueling experience of chronic fatigue syndrome after years of overworking in the film industry.

3. Discovering the Power of Nervous System Regulation:

   • The moment I realized that true healing had to start within the body.
   • How intuitive practices—like simple, unstructured breathwork, meditation, and gentle movement—helped me shift from a state of overwhelm to one of calm and clarity.

4. Embracing Self-Worth & Authentic Living:

   • Learning that anxiety may always be part of my life, but it doesn’t have to control it.
   • The importance of nurturing myself, listening to my body’s cues, and accepting that my best is always enough.

This episode is for anyone who’s felt trapped by anxiety or burnt out by the relentless pressure to be perfect. I want you to know: You are not alone, and there are tools to help you manage, heal, and thrive.

💛⁠Sign up for my free mini course "Thrive With Self-Worth" and 👇

💛Download my free guide "10 Hidden Signs of High-Functioning Anxiety (And What to Do About Them!)" and start your journey to self-worth today!

Connect with Me:

• Instagram:@lydiagillman.lovetoatee
• Website : https://www.lydia-gillman.com
• Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube!

Tune in and discover how you can reclaim your peace and step into a life of purpose—even when anxiety feels overwhelming.

Welcome back to Stepping Into Purpose! In this episode, we’re continuing our inspiring conversation with Kristina Driscoll, host of She’s Brave with Kristina Driscoll.

In Part 1, we explored how to manage anxiety through nervous system regulation, build healthy habits, and step into purpose with courage. Today, in Part 2, we dive even deeper into navigating midlife transitions, redefining success, and the power of trusting yourself.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode or struggled with self-doubt, this episode is for you. Get ready for practical insights and powerful mindset shifts to help you embrace your worth and live authentically!

1️⃣ Reevaluating Success & Societal Norms✨ True fulfillment comes from impact, service, and authenticity—not just external achievements.✨ Many high-achievers feel dissatisfied because they chase external validation rather than inner alignment.✨ Anxiety isn’t just a mindset issue—it’s a nervous system issue. Instead of overthinking, working with the body (through breath, movement, and sensory cues) is key.

2️⃣ Women’s Midlife Awakening & Lifting Each Other Up✨ Many women in their 40s and 50s experience a shift, realizing they need to rediscover themselves and their purpose.✨ Supporting and uplifting other women is a powerful way to build confidence and connection.✨ Self-worth is built through safety, not pressure—true confidence grows when your nervous system feels safe.

3️⃣ The Importance of Being Present✨ Living in the past can lead to depression, and focusing too much on the future can cause anxiety.✨ Purpose and peace are found in the present moment.

If you loved this conversation, be sure to check out Part 1 for even more insights!

🎙 ⁠Listen to She’s Brave with Kristina Driscoll⁠

📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/shesbravepodcast/⁠

🌍 Website: ⁠https://shesbravepodcast.com⁠

Connect with Lydia Gillman:

📸 Instagram: ⁠@lydiagillman.lovetoatee/⁠

🌍 Website & Free Resources: https://www.lydia-gillman.com/🎧 ⁠Listen to More Episodes⁠

💛 Get my free mini-course,⁠ Thrive with Self-Worth⁠,

and start building unshakable confidence today!

Welcome back to Stepping into Purpose! Today, I’m joined by my lovely friend Kristina Driscoll, host of She’s Brave with Kristina Driscoll. Kristina has an incredible story of resilience, courage, and stepping into her purpose, and in this episode, we explore what it truly means to be brave—not by eliminating fear, but by moving forward despite it.In Part 1 of our conversation, we dive deep into managing anxiety, regulating the nervous system, and building self-trust. Kristina and I discuss simple but powerful tools for calming anxiety, the importance of curating a life that supports your well-being, and how stepping into your purpose requires courage and authenticity.✨ Top Takeaways from Part 1:1️⃣ Nervous System Regulation for Anxiety Relief:-Using affirmations like “I am safe” or Louise Hay’s teachings can help calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety.-Naming emotions—saying “I feel anxious”—can help regulate the nervous system and ease the fight-or-flight response.-Simple breathwork techniques, like sighing or lengthening the exhale, can bring the body into a more relaxed state.2️⃣ Building Healthy Habits for Managing Anxiety:-Habit-stacking (like adding meditation after yoga) makes self-care routines more sustainable.-Creating a curated life that prioritizes well-being is key to long-term nervous system regulation.3️⃣ Stepping into Purpose with Courage and Authenticity:-Stepping into your purpose takes bravery, especially for women who have spent years living by societal expectations.-Living authentically means making choices based on inner alignment rather than external validation.-Healing and nervous system regulation must come before pushing toward big goals—true growth happens when we’re in a regulated state.This is just Part 1 of our conversation—stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive even deeper into nervous system healing, anxiety relief, and embracing midlife transformation!🎧 Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway!Connect with Kristina Driscoll:🔗 She’s Brave with Kristina Driscoll Podcast: https://shesbravepodcast.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesbravepodcast/Let’s Connect!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiagillman.lovetoatee/🌎 Website:https://www.lydia-gillman.com/If you loved this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs this message! 💛

Welcome to the Step Into Purpose podcast with your host, Lydia Gillman. In this special New Year’s episode, we’re diving into the transformative power of setting intentions and choosing a guiding word for the year ahead. As we leave 2024 behind and step into the blank canvas of 2025, this is your moment to reflect, release, and realign.

In this episode, I’ll share:

Plus, I’ll share:

Resources Mentioned:

Reflect and Take Action:
What did 2024 teach you about yourself? What habits, people, or mindsets will you bring into the new year—and which ones will you leave behind?

Let’s create 2025 with intention! Share your chosen word for the year with me—I'd love to hear it. Check out the list of inspiring words for ideas to get started.

Which word speaks to you?

Thank you for joining me on this reflective and empowering journey. Here’s to a year filled with depth, growth, and alignment.

Let’s step into purpose together!

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help more people discover the Stepping Into Purpose podcast. Happy New Year! 🎉

Turning 50: Reclaiming Self Worth and Embracing Celebration

Do milestone birthdays leave you reflecting on your self-worth, the stories you carry, or even feelings of unworthiness? You’re not alone—and this episode is here to inspire you to claim your worth and step into the next chapter with confidence and self-love. 🎉✨

In this solo episode, Lydia Gillman opens up about turning 50 and the profound lessons this milestone has brought. She shares her personal journey of learning to embrace vulnerability, overcome discomfort around being celebrated, and rewrite old stories that no longer serve her.

In This Episode, We Cover:
🌟 Unworthiness & Childhood Conditioning:

🌟 The Healing Power of Being Seen:

🌟 Self-Worth as the Foundation for Purpose:

Practical Tools for Reclaiming Your Worth:
💡 Celebrate Yourself: Start small—journal about your wins, share a moment of gratitude, or treat yourself to something special.
💡 Breathwork for Self-Soothing: Try deep breathing exercises to calm your nervous system and shift anxious patterns.
💡 Rewrite Limiting Beliefs: Use affirmations like “I am worthy as I am” to challenge and replace old narratives.
💡 Mindful Presence: Carve out time for intentional reflection, whether through journaling, meditation, or simply sitting in stillness.
💡 Vulnerability Practice: Open up to trusted loved ones and allow yourself to be celebrated—it’s a gift to both you and them!

Resources Mentioned:
📚 Worthy by Jamie Kern Lima – A powerful book on overcoming self-doubt and reclaiming your value.
💡 Discover more tools for nervous system regulation and self-worth in my FREE mini-course:

Thrive with Self Worth Sign Up Here!

Let’s Connect:
➡ Instagram: @lydiagillman.lovetoatee for more inspiration and resources.
➡ Podcast Platforms: Subscribe to Stepping into Purpose on Apple Podcasts⁠, Spotify, and YouTube.
➡ Book a FREE Connection Call: Explore how Lydia can support you on your journey to self-worth and purpose: Book here.

Lydia’s reflections and tools in this episode will inspire you to celebrate the milestones in your life, embrace your innate worth, and step into the next chapter with courage and authenticity.

#selfworth #50thbirthday #nervoussystemregulation #selflovejourney #highlysensitiveperson #lifepurpose

Do the holidays leave you feeling frazzled, stuck in survival mode, or totally overwhelmed? 

If so, you’re not alone—and this episode is here to help! 🎄✨

In this first episode of Season 3, I’m joined by the amazing Lisa Foster, a Cranio Sacral Therapist, host of the Real Life Momz podcast, and the guest of the most downloaded episode of Stepping into Purpose Season 1. 

Lisa brings her wealth of experience to share actionable strategies for managing stress, calming your nervous system, and thriving during even the busiest seasons of life.

In This Episode, We Cover:

🌟 The Nervous System’s Role in Stress:

🌟 Lessons from Nature:

🌟 For Highly Sensitive People (HSPs):

Practical Stress-Relief Tools You’ll Love:

💡 Pause and Check In:

Notice how and where stress manifests in your body to take the first step toward balance.

💡 Simple Breathwork:

Use Lisa’s favorite breathing technique: inhale for 3 counts, exhale for 6. Repeat five times to activate your parasympathetic system and calm your mind.

💡 Shake It Out:

Reset your nervous system by moving your body—shake, dance, or go for a walk.

💡 Humming or Singing:

Stimulate your vagus nerve and shift your nervous system into “rest-and-digest” mode.

💡 Energy Awareness:

Ask yourself, “Is this mine?” when overwhelmed by others’ stress, and visualize releasing what isn’t yours, and isn't serving you.

💡 Mindful Social Planning:

Know what energizes or drains you (e.g., intimate one-on-one conversations vs. large group settings) and plan accordingly.

💡 Let Go of Guilt:

Your presence is enough—release the need to meet every expectation.

💡 Create Reset Moments:

Build in mini-breaks to recalibrate, whether it’s a quiet moment alone, a short walk, or a deep-breathing session.

Lisa’s insights and tools are exactly what you need to bring calm, joy, and balance back into your life this holiday season—and beyond.

Resources Mentioned:

🎧 Listen to Lisa Foster’s podcast, Real Life Momz on Apple, Real Life Momz on Spotify

🎧 Catch Lisa’s first guest appearance on Stepping into Purpose: "Magic Treatment - The Transformative Power of Cranio Sacral Therapy"

Also checkout Lisa's Website: reallifemomz.com

Subscribe and Listen to Stepping into Purpose:

➡ YouTube: @lydiagillman

➡ Apple: Stepping into Purpose Podcast

➡ Spotify: Stepping into Purpose Podcast

Let’s Connect:

🌟 Follow me on Instagram for more inspiration: @lydiagillman.lovetoatee

🌟 Book a FREE connection call to explore how I can support you: Book here

#holidaystress #nervoussystemregulation #highlysensitiveperson #selfcare #hsps #craniosacraltherapy #stressmanagement